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last updated:
February 21, 2013

MATHEMATICS - CURRICULUM | FACULTY  | MATHEMATICS COURSE SEQUENCING

The Mathematics Department is committed to teaching mathematics not only for its own intrinsic value, but also as a valuable tool to develop our students’ ability to think analytically and creatively, thus improving their problem solving skills. The curriculum provides opportunities for our students to practice logical thinking, organization, communication, and technology skills. The Mathematics Department is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding college preparatory program that empowers all students to realize their mathematical potential and to appreciate the value of mathematics.

Graduation requirement: 3 credits, must include Algebra and Geometry

ALGEBRA I part 1
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Entrance exam results.

This is the first year of a two-year course. The topics covered are: variables and functions, function graphs, rational numbers, solving equations, solving inequalities and linear functions and graphs. This course allows students to practice skills learned with extra review time built into each new topic. Students are required to complete the math review packet during the summer prior to taking this course.

ALGEBRA I part 2
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra I part 1.

This is the second year of the two-year sequence for Algebra I. The course begins with a thorough review of functions and graphing. It continues to cover the topics: systems of equations, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials including factoring processes, quadratic equations and functions, and radical expressions. A preview of Geometry will finish up the year. As in Algebra I Part 1, extra time is given in each individual topic for a thorough comprehension of the processes covered. Students are required to complete the math review packet during the summer prior to taking this course.

ALGEBRA I
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10
Prerequisite: Entrance Exam results

In Algebra I students cover all aspects of working with signed numbers, functions, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities and graphing linear expressions. The second semester covers basic statistical concepts and graphs, systems of equations, quadratic equations exponents, polynomials and their operations and radical expressions. Problem solving is an integral part of Algebra 1. A Pre-Algebra diagnostic assessment will be administered the first week of school. Students should complete the Summer Pre-Algebra packet, available on the St. Francis website, prior to the beginning of the school-year.

GEOMETRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisites: Credit in Algebra I or Algebra I parts 1 & 2 and recommendation of teacher, or a qualifying score on the April Algebra test for incoming freshmen.

This course covers Euclidean geometry, including discussions of angles, lines, congruent and right triangles, polygons, circles, areas, and volume. Coordinate geometry and basic analytic geometry will be interspersed throughout the year to reinforce other concepts. Formal proof will be an integral part of this course. The computer program “Sketchpad” will be introduced.

HONORS GEOMETRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 9, 10
Prerequisites: Minimum 98% average in Algebra I and recommendation of teacher, or a qualifying score on the April Algebra test for incoming freshmen.

This course is designed for the high ability student. It covers the concepts of Euclidean geometry in more detail with more emphasis on formal proofs and more difficult applications. Coordinate geometry and basic analytic geometry will be interspersed throughout the year. The computer program “Sketchpad” is used to investigate and reinforce concepts. Written and oral communication of mathematics is emphasized. Students are required to complete assignments outside the textbook each quarter.

ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Credit in Geometry and either Algebra I or Algebra I parts 1 & 2

Advanced Algebra is an in-depth study of topics covered in Algebra I. A good understanding of Algebra I topics is required. Other topics include the study of roots, rational irrational/complex numbers, conics, solving and graphing quadratic functions, and an introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions. Students learn how a graphing calculator can be used in problem solving situations.

HONORS ADVANCED ALGEBRA WITH TRIGONOMETRY
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11
Prerequisites: Minimum 88% average in Honors Geometry, or minimum 98% average in regular Algebra and Geometry and recommendation of current teacher.

This course is designed to move faster through the algebraic material, providing several weeks of trigonometry. Students add depth to their understanding of Algebra I and investigate polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and conics. Students are introduced to the graphing calculator and learn how it is used in problem solving situations.

PRECALCULUS I (formerly College Algebra)
Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: A credit in Honors Advanced Algebra Trig or a minimum 76% average in Advanced Algebra and current teacher’s recommendation.

This course is designed for the college bound student who has a good background in mathematics. Topics covered include linear, quadratic and polynomial functions, equations and inequalities. Exponential and logarithmic functions are also investigated. The study of functions in the abstract is facilitated through the study of their graphs using paper and pencil as well as technology.

FINITE MATH
Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum 76% average in Advanced Algebra and credit in Precalculus I or recommendation of current math teacher.

Topics covered include sequences and series, matrices and their use in system solutions, combinatorics and probability. Use of the graphing calculator is expanded.

INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
Credit: .5 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Credit in Honors Advanced Algebra Trig or 76% in Advanced Algebra or recommendation of current math teacher.

This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to three broad conceptual themes: exploring data, planning a study, and statistical analysis. Graphing calculators are used extensively.

TRIGONOMETRY
Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Minimum 80% average in Advanced Algebra and minimum 76% average in Precalculus I or recommendation of current math teacher.

This course is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a course of study such as mathematics, science, or engineering. These majors often require a trig-based calculus course in college and this course acts as preparation by providing an in-depth study of trigonometry. Topics covered include trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations, trigonometric identities, sum and difference formulas and graphing. It investigates analytic geometry as time allows. Graphing calculators are used extensively.

HONORS PRECALCULUS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 88% average in Honors Advanced Algebra Trig and current teacher’s recommendation.

This course is designed for those with a strong background in mathematics. Topics covered include a thorough review of linear and quadratic functions and an in-depth study of polynomial functions. The study of functions in the abstract is facilitated through the study of their graphs using both pen and pencil and technology in the form of graphing calculators and computers. Topics covered include exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications in the real world; trigonometric functions, their equations, graphs and identities and their applications; sequences and series, functions and limits, and their relationship to calculus. Finite topics developed include matrices, combinatorics and probability.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 85% average in Honors Precalculus and current Math teacher’s recommendation.

Calculus is the mathematics of motion and change. The course includes an emphasis on concepts, an embracing of technology, and an attention to calculus applications. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

NOTE: To be eligible for this course, the student must have completed four years of high school mathematics. If a student wishes to take both Honors Geometry and Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry as a sophomore to accomplish this end, special permission from the department chair must be obtained.

HONORS ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS
Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum 88% in Advanced Algebra Trigonometry or 85% in Honors Precalculus and a strong reading background. Current math teacher’s recommendation is required.

This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1) exploring data, 2) planning a study, 3) probability, and 4) statistical inference. Graphing calculators are used extensively. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

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MATHEMATICS COURSE SEQUENCING